A block paved drive or sandstone patio that has gone green, black and patchy is usually not worn out. Most of what you see is surface dirt, algae, moss and lichen, plus weeds in joints that have lost their sand. A proper clean, re-sand and seal can make a ten-year-old drive look close to new, for a fraction of the cost of relaying it.
Tell us the area and the surface, and add photos. You get an indicative price range straight away, and we pass your enquiry to one local specialist, who confirms a fixed price.
What it costs
| Job | Per m² | About 30m² (two-car drive) | About 50m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure clean only | £4–£8 | £350 (minimum) | £350–£400 |
| Re-sand and seal (after cleaning) | £6–£12 | £180–£360 | £300–£600 |
| Clean, re-sand and seal together | £10–£20 | £350–£600 | £500–£1,000 |
The minimum job is £350, so a small drive or patio will usually come in at that figure. Cleaning a drive and patio at the same visit is often better value than booking them separately. If the surface is beyond cleaning, the driveway cost per m² guide shows what replacing it would cost.
Pressure cleaning
The standard method is a rotary surface cleaner on a high-pressure machine. The spinning head cleans evenly without the stripes a hand-held lance leaves, and it controls spray so less dirt ends up on walls, cars and windows. Edges and corners are finished with a lance. A biocide treatment afterwards kills the spores of algae and lichen so they return more slowly.
Not every surface wants full pressure:
- Block paving and concrete handle a rotary clean well.
- Sandstone can be marked by too much pressure; a lower pressure and a suitable cleaning solution are used instead.
- Resin is cleaned at lower pressure to avoid loosening stones.
- Tarmac is cleaned gently; high pressure can strip the fine surface.
Some black spots on patios are lichen, which often needs a specialist treatment and time to fade rather than more pressure.
Re-sanding
Cleaning block paving blows sand out of the joints. That sand is what locks the blocks together and keeps weeds out. After cleaning, and once the surface is dry, kiln-dried sand is brushed back into every joint. Skipping this step leaves the blocks loose and the joints open to weeds, which is why re-sanding should be part of the job, not an extra you decline.
Sealing
A sealer soaks into block paving or stone and binds the joint sand, which helps it resist washing out and slows weed and moss growth. It also makes oil and dirt easier to clean off and can refresh the colour. Finishes range from invisible to a slight sheen or a "wet look".
Sealing is worth it on block paving that has just been cleaned and re-sanded, and on light sandstone that marks easily. Most sealers need renewing every few years. Sealing a surface that is still damp, or that has not been fully cleaned, traps the dirt, so a good firm allows drying time.
When cleaning is not enough
Cleaning will not fix:
- Sunken or rutted areas, which come from a weak sub-base.
- Spreading edges where there is no edge restraint.
- Water pooling, which needs drainage or relaying.
- Cracked tarmac or concrete, which may suit a resin overlay if the base is sound.
If the specialist sees any of these, they will tell you, and a relay or replacement can be priced instead. See block paving and patios.
What affects the price
- Area and surface type.
- How dirty it is. Heavy moss, oil stains or lichen take longer.
- Re-sanding and sealing, or cleaning only.
- Water supply. Most firms use your outside tap; tell them if you do not have one.
- Access and parking for the van and machine.
Local specialists cover Sutton Coldfield, North Birmingham, Solihull, South Birmingham, Edgbaston and Harborne, Lichfield and Tamworth, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Stourbridge and Coventry.
What to photograph for a quote
Good photos mean a closer price, and a shorter visit to measure up. How to measure.
- The whole fence line or area, end to end, standing back as far as you can
- From above if you can: an upstairs window shows the size and levels best
- The way in from the road: the drive, side gate, steps and where a lorry could park
Questions about driveway and patio cleaning
Will pressure cleaning damage my block paving?
Done properly with a rotary cleaner at the right pressure, no. Holding a lance too close can pit the surface of blocks or stone, which is one reason to use someone with the right equipment.
How long does the clean last?
Without sealing, algae and weeds usually return within a year or two. Cleaned, re-sanded and sealed, the drive typically stays looking good for several years before it needs a refresh.
Do I need to be home?
Not always. If the firm can use an outside tap and has access, many cleans can be done while you are out. Move cars off the drive beforehand.
Where does the dirty water go?
Much of it runs into the drainage your drive already uses. A careful firm stops slurry and sand washing into road gullies and clears up afterwards.
Can oil stains be removed?
Fresh oil stains usually lift with a degreaser before cleaning. Old, soaked-in stains can often be lightened but not always removed completely.